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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wednesday In The Word: STAND FIRM!

This has become one of my favorite times of my week. Sitting down to write to you has become personal and I just want you to know that I don't even know most of you but I love you and I am praying for you every day.

I think we are all seeing and hearing from people everyday whose lives are changing drastically. A common word I am hearing each day is FEAR. I even read on my own daughter's blog that she may be entertaining the thought of hiding in a bunker! Hold on, dear child. The world is so uncertain by man's standards right now. The Bible tells us not to fear but to trust in Jesus. I want to talk to you about standing firm in the midst of uncertainty.

I love this scripture:

27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.Philippians 1:27-30 (New International Version)

Many of you know that Paul wrote these words from prison. Just think of that for a minute. Paul is using his time in a dark prison, while he is chained to a guard to talk about Jesus and encourage others to stand firm in their faith. That should encourage us to do the same no matter where we are or what has fallen into the boundaries of our life.

I looked up some words from this passage and this is what I found the deeper meaning to be:

"stand firm" means "to stand side by side""not to fear" means "not to be startled like a horse""conflict" means "agony"

I was talking to a friend about what I found and she gave me some deeper understanding. She said horses have a "flight mentality". If something scares them, they will just run without thought or warning. It often causes unnecessary damage to them and their rider.This passage is saying do not run. Think about who you are. STAND FIRM!

I sorta rewrote this passage based on the words I found and here it is. May I shout it from the rooftop:

Pray that each of us that believe in Jesus will stand side by side with Him, that we will not be startled as a horse, and that we will not be overcome by any agony we may encounter.I am praying that we can all stand firm and that we will become more deeply rooted in Him!

7 comments:

Thank you for this reminder to stand firm! Sometimes my first instinct in a difficult situation is to run away but the Holy Spirit is always there as a strong and steady hand to calm me down and remind me that I don't need to be afraid because Jesus has already won the victory.